top of page

How the Colorado River Crisis Impacts Local Water Planning

  • Writer: Joe Grindstaff
    Joe Grindstaff
  • May 3, 2025
  • 3 min read
Colorado River

Most people don’t realize just how much of Southern California’s water comes from the Colorado River—or how fragile that supply has become. For decades, we’ve relied on the Colorado River as the backbone of our regional water system. It flows down through the Hoover Dam, feeding reservoirs and canals that serve millions of people, including indirectly our communities here in Hemet. But behind the scenes, this vital water source has been over-promised, overused, and under-protected for years. And now, we’re seeing the consequences.


A River in Trouble

When the original agreements were made to divide up the Colorado River's water, the estimates assumed there was more water in the system than there actually was. In other words, we unknowingly built a house on a shaky foundation.

According to The Nature Conservancy, the river’s flow has declined by 20% over the last century due to overuse and climate change—and it could shrink by up to 31% by 2050 if current trends continue. As a result, the seven states that rely on the Colorado River—especially California, Arizona, and Nevada—have taken more water than the river can consistently provide. Climate change has only intensified the situation, with droughts becoming more frequent and reservoir levels hitting historic lows (Nature Conservancy, 2024).


Planning for Less Water, Not More

One of the biggest challenges we face today isn’t just conserving water—it’s rethinking the aging infrastructure we rely on to deliver it.  The flows will be more variable both sometimes higher and yes lower than we ever imagined.


For years, we’ve assumed the Colorado River could meet the needs of tens of millions. But those assumptions no longer hold. Climate change, overuse, and outdated agreements have put the river—and the systems built around it—under immense strain.  We will need to change.


A major concern is Glen Canyon Dam. Built in the 1950s during a time of water surplus, it wasn’t designed for today’s lower water levels. As Lake Powell declines, the dam’s main release valves—designed for hydropower—risk becoming inoperable, forcing water through smaller backup tubes known as "river outlet works." These tubes were never meant for constant use and are prone to damage from sediment and pressure loss. In fact, they sustained serious damage during environmental flows in 2023, raising major concerns about their reliability during prolonged drought conditions (Glen Canyon Institute, 2024).


That same year, Lake Powell came within 30 feet of the critical “minimum power pool” elevation. If the reservoir drops further, Glen Canyon Dam may no longer be able to release enough water downstream to meet legal delivery obligations—a crisis affecting millions of people throughout the Southwest. Recognizing this threat, the Lower Basin states of California, Nevada, and Arizona formally urged the federal government to include dam infrastructure overhauls in its long-term planning for the Colorado River (Glen Canyon Institute, 2024).

Planning for less water means more than conservation—it means modernizing the systems we’ve long taken for granted. The time to act is now.


Why This Matters for Hemet—and What You Can Do

It’s easy to think of the Colorado River crisis as a distant issue, but here in San Jacinto and Hemet and throughout the Inland Empire, we’re directly connected to it. While in our valley we normally take northern California water (the total dissolved solids are lower and therefore it is not as hard), the Colorado River Aquaduct runs through our Valley.  Our regional water supply depends heavily on imported water from both the Colorado River and the State Water Project (northern California). When those sources are under strain, so is our ability to serve the community.


At Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD), where I serve on the board, we’ve made it a priority to plan ahead. That means expanding our recycled water programs, protecting groundwater, and investing in smarter, more resilient infrastructure. We’re focused not just on today’s supply—but on ensuring future generations have access to safe, reliable water as well.


But planning isn’t something agencies can do alone. Everyone in our community has a part to play. Here’s how you can help:

  • Conserve water at home and in your business—every drop really does count.

  • Stay informed about where your water comes from and how it’s managed.

  • Support long-term planning and infrastructure investments in your community.

  • Vote for leaders who understand the importance of sustainability and water security.

At EMWD, we’re committed to transparency, responsible planning, and finding long-term solutions to complex challenges—like the Colorado River crisis. With your support and engagement, we can build a more water-secure future for everyone.


References




 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page